William Savery facts for kids

William Savery (July 14, 1750 - June 19, 1804) was an American Quaker minister. He was known for fighting against slavery and for protecting the rights of Native Americans.

In 1798, while traveling in Europe, he gave a sermon in England. This sermon inspired Elizabeth Fry, a famous Quaker, to work for the poor, the sick, and to improve prisons.

Early Life of William Savery

William Savery Jr. was born in Philadelphia. His parents, William Savery and Mary Peters, were both devoted Quakers. He went to a Quaker school and learned the trade of a tanner.

After his training, he became less involved with his faith for a while. But in 1778, after attending a funeral, he had a powerful religious experience. This changed his life completely. That same year, he married Sarah Evans, who was also a Quaker. By 1781, he was recognized as a minister.

In 1783, he signed an important petition from Quakers against slavery.

Helping Native Americans

Since Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, Native American groups felt that Quakers treated them fairly. They believed Quakers were peaceful, just, and respectful. Because of this, Native American tribes often asked Quakers to be present during talks with the U.S. government. They wanted Quakers to act as advisers and mediators.

Savery took part in two important missions to help Native Americans. In December 1792, Quaker groups in Philadelphia wrote to President Washington. They asked him to quickly find fair ways to end the American Indian Wars.

Peace Talks in 1793

In 1793, six Quakers, including William Savery, went to Sandusky, Ohio. They attended talks about land rights between Native leaders of the Western Confederacy and U.S. government officials.

A big problem came up when the Native Americans demanded that American settlers leave all lands west of the Ohio River. This demand caused a complete stop to the talks. No treaty was signed. The Quaker "peace riders" had to travel a long, difficult journey home. Savery returned to Philadelphia in poor health because of the hard trip.

Treaty of Canandaigua

In 1794, Native Americans again asked for Quaker help. A Quaker group, including Savery, went to New York State. They helped with land talks between the Six Nation Indians and Colonel Timothy Pickering, a U.S. official.

Savery saw Pickering give promises and explanations that led to the Treaty of Canandaigua. This treaty was signed at Canandaigua, New York, on November 11, 1794. Again, this experience was very tiring for Savery. He found the strength to continue through his strong religious belief.

Ministry in Europe

On May 18, 1796, Savery traveled to Europe with other Quaker ministers. They arrived in Liverpool on June 19, 1796. He immediately held meetings in Liverpool, Manchester, and London.

Savery and his group then went to Germany. They visited Bad Pyrmont, which was and still is a center for German Quakers. When they returned to England on May 16, 1797, Savery preached all over the British Isles. In Bath, he met Hannah More, a religious writer. She introduced him to William Wilberforce, a leading figure in the fight against slavery.

Savery had a great impact during his time abroad when he visited Norwich. There, he met the Gurneys, a well-known Quaker family. He especially influenced Elizabeth Gurney, who later became Elizabeth Fry. His sermon at the Norwich Meeting House on February 4, 1798, and their personal meetings, inspired her. Fry later said that Savery, Deborah Darby, and Priscilla Gurney helped her decide to become more active in her Quaker faith.

Before leaving Britain, Savery visited Ireland. He stayed at Anner Mills, the home of Sarah Pim Grubb, an Irish Quaker businesswoman. Savery was very upset by the widespread poverty he saw in Ireland. On June 27, 1799, back in London, he told William Wilberforce about the terrible state of the people there.

On August 1, 1799, Savery and his companions finished their work in Europe. They sailed from Liverpool back to New York.

Later Years

Savery arrived in New York on October 18, 1799. After his return, his health slowly began to get worse. He only traveled to attend the yearly meeting in New York in 1800 and the Baltimore Yearly Meeting in 1801. From March 1804, he was confined to his home due to an illness called dropsy.

William Savery died on June 19, 1804, after a short fever.